First Year Programme Attendee Review
at A&O Shearman
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Legal/Law
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Experience
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
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Recommendations and Advice
Overview of Experience
Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
The first year programme gave a useful insight into various aspects of the firm. There was a range of enjoyable practice area insight sessions. We also had an insight into the firm’s use of legal technology, we interacted with panels of current trainees, and participated in workshops. There were also several networking opportunities over both days.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was super useful to learn about the different practice areas, and what the role of a trainee is in these. Also, it was interesting to hear about how work changes as you move from being a trainee to an associate.
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
5/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
The programme allowed me to develop my understanding of the firm’s strategy and legal technology focus. I have also learnt more about the firm’s core practice areas and how they are impacted by current affairs. All of this has developed my commercial awareness. I also developed my ability to problem-solve through taking part in interactive workshops and presenting solutions to issues in case studies.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5
Company Culture
How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
A really friendly and welcoming environment! Everyone is clearly very clever and also very approachable.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I really enjoyed the insight programme. I learnt a lot about the firm and its strategy. I also learnt a lot about the firm’s culture and what matters to its employees. It was a really useful 2 days of insight.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was reimbursed expenses
Recommendations and Advice
Please rate the future employment prospects at A&O Shearman
5/5
Would you recommend A&O Shearman to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to A&O Shearman
Research the firm and keep up with current affairs. Know why you want to be a commercial lawyer at the firm, and make sure that comes through at all stages of the process.
